Posts Tagged "Irish Writers’ Centre"

In April 2013, I submitted a blurb about a children’s novel I was having difficulty finishing, in order to be chosen as part of the Irish Writers’ Centre’s pilot E-Mentoring Programme.

My blurb convinced the good people at the IWC that I was indeed in need of URGENT mentoring. And so, I submitted samples of WOOD WANDERERS – a story I had been working on for over two years – along with questions relating to my specific issues, to my mentor (a professional writer and instructor).

Over a number of weeks, I chatted with my mentor online regarding his feedback on my work. He gave me great advice, and helped me to see why I was so stuck, and suggested a few ways on how to try and get myself unstuck.

I still have a LOT of work to do, but after taking part in the programme I now feel like I can tackle the novel again. I loved the story concept I came up with, but I had become pretty jaded with the project. After the few online sessions, and one-to-one feedback, I am confident the story will no longer languish in my ‘To Do’ folder, but will now finally graduate to a final draft.

I’m just catching up on this year’s news NOW! So first on the agenda is the Irish Writers’ Centre’s Novel Fair Competition 2012/2013. I received an email in January from the IWC telling me that my children’s novel, PLAIN BORING, had been long listed for the competition!!

I was really excited because this was my first time entering, and I knew the competition was going to be very strong. Out of 300 entries, they chose 30 for the long list, with a final 10 names on the winners list – all of whom got the chance to sell their wares to publishers and agents at the Novel Fair in February.

I’m definitely going to try again this year, and get myself an invite to the ball!